Pic Boby, or Imarivolanitra, rises to 2,658 metres and is Madagascar's second-highest summit. It stands at the heart of Andringitra National Park, south of Ambalavao, in a region renowned for its granite landscapes, high-altitude biodiversity and demanding trekking routes.

Why climb Pic Boby

Pic Boby attracts experienced hikers for three main reasons: a rarely crowded summit, a geologically remarkable granite massif, and a mosaic of ecosystems ranging from humid forest to high-altitude moorlands within hours of trekking. The ascent remains accessible to experienced walkers without mountaineering technicality, yet demands good physical fitness due to elevation gains and altitude.

Andringitra National Park is home to rich endemic flora, including high-altitude orchids, and several lemur species. It is one of the rare places in Madagascar where you can combine high mountain trekking with observation of Malagasy wildlife.

History and international recognition

Pic Boby was discovered in 1922 by botanist Henri Perrier de la Bâthie and his companion J. Descarpentries. The summit is named after Descarpentries' dog, which accompanied the expedition. The massif was subsequently the subject of several major scientific missions: the botanical explorations by Henri Humbert in 1924 and 1934, then those by Raymond Decary in 1949. In the 1950s, geographer Michel Petit detailed the geomorphological characteristics of the massif, contributing to understanding its granite formation.

Andringitra National Park is among protected areas integrated in 2007 into the "Humid Forests of Atsinanana" property, inscribed on UNESCO's World Heritage List. This recognition underscores the ecological value of the forests covering the massif's slopes.

Ascent routes

Several circuits allow you to reach the summit, with varying durations and levels of commitment. Treks are always conducted with an official park guide.

Boby - Diavolana Loop (3 days)

Classic route of about 10 km connecting Boby Basin to the Diavolana circuit. The loop allows you to vary landscapes between granite cirques, high-altitude plateaus and forest passages.

Ascent from Tsaranoro via Camp Catta (2 to 5 days)

Several options are possible from Camp Catta, located in Tsaranoro Valley: direct ascent, loop circuit, or full itinerary passing through the Imaitsoa humid forest. This approach is often favoured by trekkers wishing to combine trekking and climbing in the valley.

Imarivolanitra Trek (3 days)

Progressive ascent of Pic Boby through savannas, high-altitude forests and valleys. The moderate pace suits walkers with trekking experience.

Andringitra Massif Traverse (6 days)

Full circuit covering the massif via Anja Reserve, Manampotsy and Belambo valleys, before the final ascent to Pic Boby. This is the most comprehensive option for those with time to spare.

Practical advice

• Equipment: ankle-supporting hiking boots, warm clothing (fleece, lightweight down jacket, gloves, hat), windproof jacket, cold-weather sleeping bag, headlamp, water bottle, sun protection.
• Guides: an official guide is mandatory in the park. Porters can be hired at the start to lighten loads.
• Accommodation: treks use bivouacking in designated park camping areas. No mountain huts along the route.
• Level: good physical fitness required. Several hours of daily trekking with significant elevation gains.

When to go

The dry season, April to October, is the recommended window for ascent. Trails are passable, visibility is clear and rivers remain crossable. Between June and August, nights at altitude are very cold: temperatures can drop well below freezing at the summit, with frost likely at the bivouac. Cold-weather equipment is essential during this period. The rainy season, November to March, should be avoided: impassable trails, slippery paths and frequent storms.

How to get there

The main entry point is Ambalavao, on RN7 between Fianarantsoa and Ihosy. From Antananarivo, expect two days of travel to reach Ambalavao by minibus or private vehicle, often with a stop in Antsirabe or Fianarantsoa. From Fianarantsoa, the journey to Ambalavao takes about 1.5 hours.

From Ambalavao, access to Camp Catta in Tsaranoro Valley is by 4x4 track about thirty kilometres. The journey takes two to three hours depending on track conditions. For routes starting from the park's north, the welcome office is at Namoly, also accessible by track from Ambalavao.

What to see in the region

The area around Ambalavao has several sites to complement climbing Pic Boby:

• Ambalavao, a stopover town known for its antaimoro paper and zebu market.
• Anja Reserve nearby, to observe ring-tailed lemurs in a community setting.
• Ranomafana National Park, accessible from Fianarantsoa, for humid tropical forest.
• Antoetra, departure point for treks in Zafimaniry country, further north.

Frequently asked questions

Plan your trip

Pic Boby fits naturally into a longer itinerary on RN7, between the highlands and southern Madagascar. To incorporate this climb into a broader journey, consult our Madagascar circuits.